By: Jesse Striewski
I don’t know why it has taken me so long to get around to finally reviewing the latest album from everyone’s favorite snotty rockers Ugly Kid Joe (back in the ’90s, I was totally that kid blasting their music in their bedroom), but nearly three months after its release, I finally sat down to give it an honest try.
I was more than glad I did when album opener “That Ain’t Livin'” first kicked into gear and I got that same vibe I did upon first hearing “It’s A Lie” kickoff 1996’s Motel California album, and I instantly knew we were off to a good start. From then on out listeners are given plenty of various musical styles for one to choose from in typical UKJ fashion.
From funk (“Up in the City”), punk (“Failure”), to even a touch of country (“Drinkin’ and Drivin'”), there’s no shortage of genres to be found here. Meanwhile, tracks like “Everything’s Changing,” “Kill the Pain,” and “Long Road” display the band’s more sensitive side, while a cover of The Kinks’ “Lola” shows the band can still pull off a decent cover a la “Cats in the Cradle.”
Aside from the occasional filler track (“Not Like the Other”), Rad Winds of Destiny (a take on the Judas Priest album Sad Wings of Destiny, for those of you wondering) is Ugly Kid Joe the way they’re meant to be; throw this in your CD player like it’s 1992 all over again and enjoy.
Rating: 3.5/Stars
What a coincidence. I was just thinking of their America’s Least Wanted Album the other day, lol.
A classic but all of their albums are worth a visit!